Buying a new construction condo in San Francisco and wondering if you need a Realtor buyer's agent to help make it happen? You are not alone!
When it comes to purchasing a brand-new condominium in San Francisco, you might find yourself at a common crossroads. Should you fly solo and work directly with the developer’s sales staff, or should you enlist the help of one of the best San Francisco Realtors like, oh… the fine folks at Vivre Real Estate? 😎
(Disclaimer: As top SF Realtors we may be a little biased toward hiring a buyer's agent to secure your new condo, but we are speaking from experience! This decision can be a game-changer for the relative speed and success of your transaction.)
This guide is here to help you make an informed choice about whether or not you need a Realtor, aka buyer’s agent, to buy a new condo in SF. Let’s dive in.
There are two main routes you can take when buying a new construction condo in San Francisco, especially if you're eyeing a unit in a still-evolving market like South Beach or Rincon Hill.
Whether you choose to use the in-house sales staff or hire a San Francisco real estate agent to buy a new construction condo, you shouldn’t have to worry about paying them directly. So then, what factors should you consider when deciding between the two?
The choice between hiring a San Francisco Realtor or using the condo sales agent may depend on your specific circumstances. However, one key difference to consider is that the sales staff is paid by the developer to sell units of that specific development. On the other hand, your San Francisco Realtor is compensated to help you find a unit anywhere that suits your needs and preferences—no matter the building, new or existing, big or small.
Your personal San Francisco Realtor should be an expert in the inventory of available condos, helping you contextualize your desired unit within the broader San Francisco condominium market. They can provide insights on whether a particular building offers good value compared to others, the reputation of the builder, and potential resale-market scenarios for your condo.
Moreover, your SF real estate agent can negotiate on your behalf. This could involve price negotiations, setting timelines, or even securing upgrades on fixtures within the unit. Their knowledge of the San Francisco Bay Area real estate market can be invaluable in understanding whether a developer is eager to sell, or if their units are selling like hotcakes.
+ Read more in our blog: Want to Sell Your Home in San Francisco For the Most Money? You Need an Expert Negotiator.
Real estate attorney and columnist Bob Bruss has shared his thoughts on the value of buyer's agents for new construction homes. Read his insights in this (very old but still relevant) SFGate article.
In the end, the choice is yours. Whether you decide to work directly with the sales staff or hire your own agent, the most important thing is that you feel confident and comfortable in your decision. After all, purchasing a new construction condo in San Francisco is a significant investment and a milestone moment. Make it count!
If you have any questions about new development condos or the process of buying a home in San Francisco, or anything else real estate related, don't hesitate to reach out. As your best San Francisco Realtors and trusted advisor, we're here to guide you every step of the way.
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